Humans are too stupid to prevent climate change from radically impacting on our lives over the coming decades. This is the stark conclusion of James Lovelock, the globally respected environmental thinker and independent scientist who developed the Gaia theory.

It follows a tumultuous few months in which public opinion on efforts to tackle climate change has been undermined by events such as the climate scientists’ emails leaked from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the failure of the Copenhagen climate summit.

“I don’t think we’re yet evolved to the point where we’re clever enough to handle a complex a situation as climate change,” said Lovelock in his first in-depth interview since the theft of the UEA emails last November. “The inertia of humans is so huge that you can’t really do anything meaningful.”

One of the main obstructions to meaningful action is “modern democracy”, he added. “Even the best democracies agree that when a major war approaches, democracy must be put on hold for the time being. I have a feeling that climate change may be an issue as severe as a war. It may be necessary to put democracy on hold for a while.”

Image via Wikipedia: James Lovelock in 2005, scientist and author best known for the Gaia hypothesis. Photograph taken by Bruno Comby of Environmentalists for Nuclear.

Consider the top two 'solutions' being hyped:1.) A massive and immediate expenditure of current resources aimed at slightly modifying the way we use future resources.2.) A smokestack tax.

sidneee

well said. Unfortunately we're also stupid enough to let those in charge tell us they can make a difference, while they simultanously spend our ludicrous 'green' taxes on nice new houses and gas-guzzling 4x4s for themselves and their mates. We are dooooomed, aren't we? ha ha!